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Bad Karma
Puts the "con" in Silicon Valley. Jack McCoul traveled the world running elaborate swindles. Now he's settled down and trying to go straight. The trouble is, dead bodies and a homicide cop with a grudge keep getting in the way.
McCoul is trying to cash in on a high tech startup when his past comes roaring back. A former partner-in-crime's scheme to snatch a priceless statue from a venture capital mogul drags McCoul into a murder mystery with a sexy suspect's life hanging in the balance. When hired killers come gunning for him, McCoul must resort to his old skills to turn the tables. He rounds up a gang as quirky as San Francisco itself and it's game on. Read as a standalone or as part of the series.
"Loaded with one liners. Keeps the plot turning." - Kirkus Reviews. "Rooting for a crook has never been more fun."
Discover why other mystery and suspense thriller readers love Jack McCoul. Grab a copy fast.
★★★★★ "A roller coaster ride full of surprises."
★★★★★ "100% fun!"
★★★★★ "An excellent crime novel."
★★★★★ "Do yourself a favor and sit back and enjoy them."
★★★★★ "Brilliantly authentic."
★★★★★ "Successful in every way and at every level."
★★★★★ "McCoul is really cool."
McCoul is trying to cash in on a high tech startup when his past comes roaring back. A former partner-in-crime's scheme to snatch a priceless statue from a venture capital mogul drags McCoul into a murder mystery with a sexy suspect's life hanging in the balance. When hired killers come gunning for him, McCoul must resort to his old skills to turn the tables. He rounds up a gang as quirky as San Francisco itself and it's game on. Read as a standalone or as part of the series.
"Loaded with one liners. Keeps the plot turning." - Kirkus Reviews. "Rooting for a crook has never been more fun."
Discover why other mystery and suspense thriller readers love Jack McCoul. Grab a copy fast.
★★★★★ "A roller coaster ride full of surprises."
★★★★★ "100% fun!"
★★★★★ "An excellent crime novel."
★★★★★ "Do yourself a favor and sit back and enjoy them."
★★★★★ "Brilliantly authentic."
★★★★★ "Successful in every way and at every level."
★★★★★ "McCoul is really cool."
- GenresMystery
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
199 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Dwight Holing
51 books97 followersDwight Holing is the author of twenty books, including two Amazon #1 bestselling mystery series: the Silver Falchion Award-winning Nick Drake Novels and the Jack McCoul Capers. He is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Western Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime.
His ten-book-and-counting Nick Drake mystery series has won fans and awards for his deft portrayal of richly developed characters, vivid descriptions of settings, multiple storylines, and unrelenting pace. Reviewers laud his philosophical insights that bring added depth to the stories and principal characters and his incorporation of indigenous cultural history.
Holing is also the author of two collections of short stories, California Works and Over Our Heads Under Our Feet. Many of the stories were previously published in literary journals and won awards, including the Arts & Letters Prize for Fiction.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon and began his writing career as a freelancer. Assignments took him from Alaska to Zanzibar and his feature articles on adventure travel, conservation, natural history, and environmental issues appeared in Audubon, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, Outside, San Francisco Chronicle, Sierra, and Travel & Leisure, to name a few. He also wrote and edited books on those subjects. His publishers included Smithsonian Books, Time-Life, and Animal Planet.
Dwight Holing lives beside a coastal river in California with his wife and two dogs who’d rather swim than walk.
Learn: Dwight Holing
Follow: Dwight Holing
Instagram: @dwight_holing
His ten-book-and-counting Nick Drake mystery series has won fans and awards for his deft portrayal of richly developed characters, vivid descriptions of settings, multiple storylines, and unrelenting pace. Reviewers laud his philosophical insights that bring added depth to the stories and principal characters and his incorporation of indigenous cultural history.
Holing is also the author of two collections of short stories, California Works and Over Our Heads Under Our Feet. Many of the stories were previously published in literary journals and won awards, including the Arts & Letters Prize for Fiction.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon and began his writing career as a freelancer. Assignments took him from Alaska to Zanzibar and his feature articles on adventure travel, conservation, natural history, and environmental issues appeared in Audubon, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, Outside, San Francisco Chronicle, Sierra, and Travel & Leisure, to name a few. He also wrote and edited books on those subjects. His publishers included Smithsonian Books, Time-Life, and Animal Planet.
Dwight Holing lives beside a coastal river in California with his wife and two dogs who’d rather swim than walk.
Learn: Dwight Holing
Follow: Dwight Holing
Instagram: @dwight_holing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 9, 2015
Are you a fan of murder mysteries? If so, this one is well worth your time.
The main character, Jack McCoul is a ex-criminal trying to go straight with a new computer app. He is married to Katie, who is the ex-boyfriend of a certain Detective, Terrence Dolan. Yeah, this is going to add a lot of juice to the plot.
Despite his plans of going straight, he can’t quite shake his past when his old buddy, Bobby stops by for an innocuous visit. Jack knows Bobby never stops by unless he has a con on his mind. And a con he does.
That evening, the happy trio are invited to the house of one, Dexter Cotswold, a big entrepreneur in the Geek financing arena. His wife, the stunning Laura Cotswold, has a history with Bobby. Yep, add more juice to the story line.
They meet and greet Mr. Dexter, who decides to give the boys a grand tour of his accomplishments, which includes going into his custom-made smoking room with an artifact the boys can’t believe he possesses—a small golden Buddha. No big deal until you find out they swiped the very object years ago. How it got there, they have no idea, but Bobby knows one thing, if he can swipe it once, he can do it twice.
Before the night is over, Bobby’s awol, Dexter’s dead, and the Buddha is MIA.
From this point on it is a fast paced story with a lot of twists and turns.
I don’t want’ to give away an spoilers, but throw in the Mumbai Mafia, three questionable attorneys, Jacks’ old friend Hark, a bandito of the streets of San Francisco, a brilliant coder named Do Pray and the executive assistant to Mr. Cotswold and you have the makings of a great whodunit.
Along with an excellent story line, the baseball action was well executed. Being a fan of the sport, I could have gone for more, but it would have slowed down the action.
Another plus are the scene descriptions. Mr. Holing has painted a brilliant picture of the Golden Gate City. If I ever visit it, I don’t need a tour guide, or google maps, this book will more than suffice.
My only drawback was the flood of sarcasm. I am a fan of sarcasm but I felt it was a little overdone. However, that aside the author does state he enjoys a hefty dose of it and he provides it in spades.
Four and-a-half stars. Let’s go ahead and round it up to five.
The main character, Jack McCoul is a ex-criminal trying to go straight with a new computer app. He is married to Katie, who is the ex-boyfriend of a certain Detective, Terrence Dolan. Yeah, this is going to add a lot of juice to the plot.
Despite his plans of going straight, he can’t quite shake his past when his old buddy, Bobby stops by for an innocuous visit. Jack knows Bobby never stops by unless he has a con on his mind. And a con he does.
That evening, the happy trio are invited to the house of one, Dexter Cotswold, a big entrepreneur in the Geek financing arena. His wife, the stunning Laura Cotswold, has a history with Bobby. Yep, add more juice to the story line.
They meet and greet Mr. Dexter, who decides to give the boys a grand tour of his accomplishments, which includes going into his custom-made smoking room with an artifact the boys can’t believe he possesses—a small golden Buddha. No big deal until you find out they swiped the very object years ago. How it got there, they have no idea, but Bobby knows one thing, if he can swipe it once, he can do it twice.
Before the night is over, Bobby’s awol, Dexter’s dead, and the Buddha is MIA.
From this point on it is a fast paced story with a lot of twists and turns.
I don’t want’ to give away an spoilers, but throw in the Mumbai Mafia, three questionable attorneys, Jacks’ old friend Hark, a bandito of the streets of San Francisco, a brilliant coder named Do Pray and the executive assistant to Mr. Cotswold and you have the makings of a great whodunit.
Along with an excellent story line, the baseball action was well executed. Being a fan of the sport, I could have gone for more, but it would have slowed down the action.
Another plus are the scene descriptions. Mr. Holing has painted a brilliant picture of the Golden Gate City. If I ever visit it, I don’t need a tour guide, or google maps, this book will more than suffice.
My only drawback was the flood of sarcasm. I am a fan of sarcasm but I felt it was a little overdone. However, that aside the author does state he enjoys a hefty dose of it and he provides it in spades.
Four and-a-half stars. Let’s go ahead and round it up to five.
July 2, 2015
Dwight Holing's "Bad Karma" is an interesting departure for someone, such as myself, who is an avowed James Lee Burke fan known to also flirts with the Longmire series of late. In fact, when Holing asked me to review this work, I accepted reluctantly. When I started reading "Bad Karma", I wanted to hate it. I really did. As it turns out, Holing is a really entertaining writer and "Bad Karma" isn't bad after all.
Holing does an admirable job of creating some believable, yet disparate, characters that seem to reflect the modern-day West Coast vibe. The juxtaposition of former bad guy Jack McCoul amongst the tattered remains of the modern middle class is both challenge and opportunity that Holing takes full advantage of. While McCoul rubs elbows with the rich, the powerful, and the criminal he also brings with him a supporting cast of unique characters with a great deal of potential as the series expands. Holing is not afraid to paint each of these characters with their own modern flair, which is most prominent in the dialog and character interaction.
If there is any criticism of "Bad Karma" is is simply that this novel wraps up quickly in a brief confrontation where the suddenly omniscient McCoul unravels the caper through his own deduction, and the rest of us sort of missed the inside joke shared among the cool kids. This is a small complaint for a writer who made me buy into and enjoy his west coast story!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy of the book, provided by the author.
Holing does an admirable job of creating some believable, yet disparate, characters that seem to reflect the modern-day West Coast vibe. The juxtaposition of former bad guy Jack McCoul amongst the tattered remains of the modern middle class is both challenge and opportunity that Holing takes full advantage of. While McCoul rubs elbows with the rich, the powerful, and the criminal he also brings with him a supporting cast of unique characters with a great deal of potential as the series expands. Holing is not afraid to paint each of these characters with their own modern flair, which is most prominent in the dialog and character interaction.
If there is any criticism of "Bad Karma" is is simply that this novel wraps up quickly in a brief confrontation where the suddenly omniscient McCoul unravels the caper through his own deduction, and the rest of us sort of missed the inside joke shared among the cool kids. This is a small complaint for a writer who made me buy into and enjoy his west coast story!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy of the book, provided by the author.
February 3, 2022
Dwight Holing Never Disappoints. Fantastic! 10 Stars.
Since “Nick Drake” first appeared in “The Sorrow Hand” I’ve been an avid follower, thoroughly enjoying each new adventure.
The settings for this series are in an area I know well having been born there, and I can attest that in his characterizations of the folks living there he is “spot on”.
The same goes for his descriptions of the area, they too are most accurate. Sometimes his depictions, as I read them bring tears to my eyes as memories of moving cattle, hunting, and fishing with various family members, all of whom are now gone, are brought to mind.
Mr. Holing is an author I highly recommend, and I wish I could award him the 10 Stars I feel he deserves.
I highly recommend this book. Please, however begin at the beginning with book 1, and read your way to, and through, “The Forever Feet”. After all no one begins a journey at their destination.
I hope you find this helpful.
Since “Nick Drake” first appeared in “The Sorrow Hand” I’ve been an avid follower, thoroughly enjoying each new adventure.
The settings for this series are in an area I know well having been born there, and I can attest that in his characterizations of the folks living there he is “spot on”.
The same goes for his descriptions of the area, they too are most accurate. Sometimes his depictions, as I read them bring tears to my eyes as memories of moving cattle, hunting, and fishing with various family members, all of whom are now gone, are brought to mind.
Mr. Holing is an author I highly recommend, and I wish I could award him the 10 Stars I feel he deserves.
I highly recommend this book. Please, however begin at the beginning with book 1, and read your way to, and through, “The Forever Feet”. After all no one begins a journey at their destination.
I hope you find this helpful.
May 24, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to give an honest review of.
Normally, I don't like to read a series out of order or start anywhere but the beginning. I was really pleasantly surprised by this one. The characters are relatable and the story is engrossing. I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend this series to anyone and plan on reading more of his works.
Normally, I don't like to read a series out of order or start anywhere but the beginning. I was really pleasantly surprised by this one. The characters are relatable and the story is engrossing. I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend this series to anyone and plan on reading more of his works.
November 19, 2015
A roller coaster ride full of surprises
Bad Karma is good reading. Jack McCoul is a complicated guy full of wit and bravado. The story is a fun ride
Bad Karma is good reading. Jack McCoul is a complicated guy full of wit and bravado. The story is a fun ride
February 4, 2023
Nick Drake is my hero. He is a good husband, solid father, solves crimes and listens to American Beauty by Grateful Dead. As the reader begins The Forever Feet, we learn that Nick is now married to Gemma and the father of four-year-old daughter, Hattie. The family of three is living on the ranch of Sheriff Pudge Warbler along with Pudge and native American philosopher and housekeeper November. As Nick makes the rounds of his vast wildlife territory in the Sheldon area of Nevada, he stumbles upon a dead prospector and mule. They have been shot, and Nick reports the killing to the Humboldt County deputy sheriff. When Nick returns back to No Mountain, he discovers that the town has been taken over by a film crew shooting a new movie. The two parallel plot lines continue involving the movie and the Nevada murder, and Nick is involved in both. Once again Dwight Holing created a perfect description of the remote corner of the Great Basin, and he tied in the major events of the seventies era. The character descriptions created vivid images in my mind, and I raced through this book in a matter of days. I anxiously look forward to recently released book 7, and hopefully the author can keep pace with my reading pace.
February 17, 2022
Mr. Holing and Nick Drake are bringing adventure again!
Mr. Holing takes Nick Drake through several adventures that are tied together! He brings all the different things together in a very realistic story. He ties Nicks past together with his current job and yet ties his father-in-law past to give depth to another character.
Then ties it to Harny county and Nicks job there! This story brings in more characters for future story while still developing current characters.
His inclusion of Indian culture into the story is terrific! It adds depth to everything.
In doing this, it reminds me of how Tony Hillerman brought Navajo culture out in his stories! Keep up the Nick Drake story, but please write faster! 😀
Thanks!
Mr. Holing takes Nick Drake through several adventures that are tied together! He brings all the different things together in a very realistic story. He ties Nicks past together with his current job and yet ties his father-in-law past to give depth to another character.
Then ties it to Harny county and Nicks job there! This story brings in more characters for future story while still developing current characters.
His inclusion of Indian culture into the story is terrific! It adds depth to everything.
In doing this, it reminds me of how Tony Hillerman brought Navajo culture out in his stories! Keep up the Nick Drake story, but please write faster! 😀
Thanks!
February 3, 2022
Engaging Story
The new Nick Drake book is an interesting mystery, but the connections to actual historical events were what really intrigued me. Reminders of the Vietnam war and the post-war political happenings enhanced the excellent bones of the story, giving context. Holing’s explanations of the history and mystery of Indian wisdom and traditions also added moments of thoughtfulness throughout the novel. As all of the books in this series, this is a well-written story and a glimpse of our country’s history from a viewpoint unlike most. No boring lectures here!
The new Nick Drake book is an interesting mystery, but the connections to actual historical events were what really intrigued me. Reminders of the Vietnam war and the post-war political happenings enhanced the excellent bones of the story, giving context. Holing’s explanations of the history and mystery of Indian wisdom and traditions also added moments of thoughtfulness throughout the novel. As all of the books in this series, this is a well-written story and a glimpse of our country’s history from a viewpoint unlike most. No boring lectures here!
Read
April 26, 2022I really hope that this doesn't spell the end of the trail for Nick Drake: I sped through the series, each book left me with wanting more.
Skillfully written, the author takes you through situations you never saw coming and introduces the reader to stunning vistas you never knew were out there.
Through the writings I f authors like Dwight Holing, Craig Johnson, and Ann Hillerman, we are made to better appreciate the skillet of native American tribal cops who have a very dangerous, under-appreciated job to do.
Skillfully written, the author takes you through situations you never saw coming and introduces the reader to stunning vistas you never knew were out there.
Through the writings I f authors like Dwight Holing, Craig Johnson, and Ann Hillerman, we are made to better appreciate the skillet of native American tribal cops who have a very dangerous, under-appreciated job to do.
June 7, 2022
The Forever Feet will not disappoint
The Nick Drake novels are one of my favorites!
Suspense, lined with wry humor and wrapped in ancient Native American culture. Nick's journey through recovery after the Viet Nam war as a Wildlife officer is gut wrenching and triumphant. Stories interwoven in rich Native American culture are enlightening. Such wisdom when you just stop and listen along with modern day police work. Endearing characters that you grow to love. Can't wait for the next one!
The Nick Drake novels are one of my favorites!
Suspense, lined with wry humor and wrapped in ancient Native American culture. Nick's journey through recovery after the Viet Nam war as a Wildlife officer is gut wrenching and triumphant. Stories interwoven in rich Native American culture are enlightening. Such wisdom when you just stop and listen along with modern day police work. Endearing characters that you grow to love. Can't wait for the next one!
February 22, 2023
Spiritual series
I love this series. I love each character. But best of all I love how this author has used his gift of writing to teach us the sacred ways of the Native Americans. So many lessons that will guide us through these current troubling times that we live in. I have grown as a human being and my love of the Native American people, all the creatures of the earth, every plant, tree and growing thing, Mother Earth and Father Sky, the evening people, and those who walk with us that we cannot see, I love you all. Thank you for this series.
I love this series. I love each character. But best of all I love how this author has used his gift of writing to teach us the sacred ways of the Native Americans. So many lessons that will guide us through these current troubling times that we live in. I have grown as a human being and my love of the Native American people, all the creatures of the earth, every plant, tree and growing thing, Mother Earth and Father Sky, the evening people, and those who walk with us that we cannot see, I love you all. Thank you for this series.
February 5, 2023
What an eloquent writer!
I never choose number 5 when I rate a story as I want the author to write another! I thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to this engaging series of stories.
I have a romantic view of the native American peoples. But the education that is included in Mr. Holing's afterwards reinforce my desire to work as a volunteer by providing medical care to children, or in another useful way. Thank you Mr. Holing.
I never choose number 5 when I rate a story as I want the author to write another! I thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to this engaging series of stories.
I have a romantic view of the native American peoples. But the education that is included in Mr. Holing's afterwards reinforce my desire to work as a volunteer by providing medical care to children, or in another useful way. Thank you Mr. Holing.
February 5, 2022
Always a good read
Being a Vietnam vet who served in1968 and half of 69 in country allows me to get into the character. I have also spent years in western deserts in the geology business and have a keen and enduring interest in Native cultures. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the Nick Drake novels.
Being a Vietnam vet who served in1968 and half of 69 in country allows me to get into the character. I have also spent years in western deserts in the geology business and have a keen and enduring interest in Native cultures. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the Nick Drake novels.
February 24, 2022
Very Well Done
Good read. Solid character development from previous books in this series. Sense of place and Native American perspectives and beliefs are exceptional, and one of the many reasons I’m drawn to this series. Unique plot with multiple branches, all well done and threaded together with deceptive ease. I hope to see many more books in this series very soon.
Good read. Solid character development from previous books in this series. Sense of place and Native American perspectives and beliefs are exceptional, and one of the many reasons I’m drawn to this series. Unique plot with multiple branches, all well done and threaded together with deceptive ease. I hope to see many more books in this series very soon.
August 27, 2023
I don’t write reviews very often but recently I found this author on Amazon and found his books to be really good with a nice mix of humor thrown in. I recently found 2 more in the series which makes me really happy and just finished reading this one. Again thoroughly enjoying his books and hope we’ll have more by this great storyteller
February 1, 2022
another good read
Good story with some twists and the hero coming out on top. Entertaining and worth the time. Makes one aware of the inhumanities and disrespect for indigenous peoples.
Good story with some twists and the hero coming out on top. Entertaining and worth the time. Makes one aware of the inhumanities and disrespect for indigenous peoples.
February 19, 2022
Great Nick Drake Mystery
I always like getting reacquainted with Nicn Drake and his family. Dwight Holing does a great job of showing us a job of a US Fish& Wildlife agent and his mystery solving skills.
I always like getting reacquainted with Nicn Drake and his family. Dwight Holing does a great job of showing us a job of a US Fish& Wildlife agent and his mystery solving skills.
March 10, 2022
Forever Feet
I found this book open ended and hope there will be more of Nick 's story someday. I close with sorrow for my loss of a friend. Thanks 's again to the author for bringing Nick Drake alive to me.
I found this book open ended and hope there will be more of Nick 's story someday. I close with sorrow for my loss of a friend. Thanks 's again to the author for bringing Nick Drake alive to me.
April 10, 2022
Another great book in the Nick Drake series. More please!
If you like Joe Pickett then you will love Nick Drake. I think h the Forever feet is my favorite so far with all the core characters fully developed. I was also really love the native American aspects of this series .
If you like Joe Pickett then you will love Nick Drake. I think h the Forever feet is my favorite so far with all the core characters fully developed. I was also really love the native American aspects of this series .
July 4, 2022
Captivating Series Continues
I have enjoyed each book in this series. The writing quality has been consistent, the characters well developed and the storylines intriguing. The inclusion of Native American customs and mysticism adds another element to this captivating series.
I have enjoyed each book in this series. The writing quality has been consistent, the characters well developed and the storylines intriguing. The inclusion of Native American customs and mysticism adds another element to this captivating series.
September 18, 2025
Wonderful series
Thank you, Dwight, for your wonderful stories. ! have enjoyed each of your books. You have a gift of telling the story so it makes the reader feel like they are there as part of the story
Thank you, Dwight, for your wonderful stories. ! have enjoyed each of your books. You have a gift of telling the story so it makes the reader feel like they are there as part of the story
December 29, 2025
Best one yet!
I love how the story of the main characters continues in their personal lives while still telling a great mystery. I had no clue about this murderer but there was so much more to this one. I highly recommend reading this series.
I love how the story of the main characters continues in their personal lives while still telling a great mystery. I had no clue about this murderer but there was so much more to this one. I highly recommend reading this series.
March 21, 2026
A fine story
As in the previous books in the Nick Drake series, Dwight Holing has interwoven the native American culture into modern day society. It is a learning tool with out the dull boring classroom lectures. I highly recommend the six volumes I have read so far.
As in the previous books in the Nick Drake series, Dwight Holing has interwoven the native American culture into modern day society. It is a learning tool with out the dull boring classroom lectures. I highly recommend the six volumes I have read so far.
May 19, 2022
OUTSTANDING
Not just a great story; wonderful knowledge of the lands and peoples who are so much a part of the adventure.
Not just a great story; wonderful knowledge of the lands and peoples who are so much a part of the adventure.
May 22, 2022
Love this series
I enjoy reading this series and always look forward to the next book (that doesn't come fast enough for me!).
I enjoy reading this series and always look forward to the next book (that doesn't come fast enough for me!).
May 23, 2015
The best thing about Bad Karma (A Jack McCoul Caper) by Dwight Holing, by far, were the introductions of his ethnically diverse supporting characters. Unfortunately, after their introductions, their behavior and dialogue simply became cliche. This was quite disappointing.
This proves that holing is quite capable of writing interesting things, which is why I'm so confused by the rest of the book. Just as something actually starts to become interesting, Holing seems to lose steam and the movement just loses steam.
I understand that the book is set in California, where the "pretty and shallow" supposedly reside, but what's the point of writing if you never bother to move past the trite cliche? I spent the entire book waiting for something interesting, only to be disappointed when Holing did nothing with the opportunity.
The book is definitely steeped in misogyny, but even that ended up cliche. As a writer, if you must use a cliche, at least do something ironic with it. Please? And don't use narration to inform your audience that your female characters are strong, independent people, when absolutely nothing in your book, neither in behavior nor dialogue, insinuates they are anything more than infantilized, over-emotional, perpetually shopping dieters.
And I really don't get anyone who thinks it's cool to insist that when a woman says "Stop", she really means,"I like it."
Overall, Bad Karma is mediocre, though I'm sure there is a (probably male) 20 something college student audience who will enjoy it. For me, the first 6 chapters dragged, the first interesting thing happened around Chapter 20, and Holing's best flowing writing began around Chapter 40. I would rather Holing had spent less time describing the scenery and spent the precious word count on character development. It would have given him the time to develop his story rather than shoving all the explanation into long, emotionless monologues.
This proves that holing is quite capable of writing interesting things, which is why I'm so confused by the rest of the book. Just as something actually starts to become interesting, Holing seems to lose steam and the movement just loses steam.
I understand that the book is set in California, where the "pretty and shallow" supposedly reside, but what's the point of writing if you never bother to move past the trite cliche? I spent the entire book waiting for something interesting, only to be disappointed when Holing did nothing with the opportunity.
The book is definitely steeped in misogyny, but even that ended up cliche. As a writer, if you must use a cliche, at least do something ironic with it. Please? And don't use narration to inform your audience that your female characters are strong, independent people, when absolutely nothing in your book, neither in behavior nor dialogue, insinuates they are anything more than infantilized, over-emotional, perpetually shopping dieters.
And I really don't get anyone who thinks it's cool to insist that when a woman says "Stop", she really means,"I like it."
Overall, Bad Karma is mediocre, though I'm sure there is a (probably male) 20 something college student audience who will enjoy it. For me, the first 6 chapters dragged, the first interesting thing happened around Chapter 20, and Holing's best flowing writing began around Chapter 40. I would rather Holing had spent less time describing the scenery and spent the precious word count on character development. It would have given him the time to develop his story rather than shoving all the explanation into long, emotionless monologues.
June 7, 2015
Dwight Holing has the gift of gab and a smart- aleck attitude going for him. I like the second, not so much the first. “Bad Karma” is a fun book that could use a little trimming, but I’ve been accused of wordiness in the past and feel somewhat hypocritical. So I won’t dwell on that pan.
The protagonist, Jack McCoul, lives in San Francisco, the book is situated there, and I recognize many of the characters from my days in the glorious city. Holing has a knack for bringing the city to life and it made the backdrop joyous. However the people I remember were even more colorful than those portrayed by the author. It’s probably just as well he backed off a little there because my acquaintances were mostly strung out, somewhat smelly, and not of much interest.
McCoul has a shifty friend hanging around who hungers for stuff – things that belong to other people. When a priceless gold Buddha disappears and the owner, a mega rich tech mogul gets murdered, McCoul and his wife are up to their necks in suspicion. When the Buddha shows up in friend’s possession, McCoul is forced into a desperate search for the killer as he tries to elude a couple of nasty assassins, plays hide and seek with the police, and tries to clear the bombshell wife of the dead guy, his wife’s best friend, who is also implicated. Yes, it’s complicated but aren’t all mysteries that amount to anything?
Holing does a great job plotting this story. His characterizations are strong; his scenes of mayhem are realistic; his dialogue is spot on for the environment he presents. There are a lot of familiar things happening that I’ve read before, but they seem fresh under Holing’s careful writing.
It’s good book, full of action and snappy banter. As I mentioned, some word pruning wouldn’t hurt but I’m light on that criticism because the overall effect is still good and the story moves along without being ponderous. I believe you’ll enjoy the book.
May 7, 2018
This is book two of the Jack McCoul Caper series and follows former conman, now private investigator. In this episode he is trying to supplement his legit income by doing a tech startup, creating a new app and looking for investors to help. His wife Katie is still doing well with her own gym and yoga classes.
Jack starts to have problems with his startup, trolls and then a face from his past arriving and trying to get him involved in his old tricks again. An item they stole years ago has now appeared in the Silicon Valley area and his old friend wants to steal it again. This gets very complex as Jack tries to stick to his new life, but still gets mixed in with the mess that occurs.
Murder, threats and violence aimed towards Jack and Katie makes Jack get his back up and he has to start finding out who is behind all this. Who is behind the murder and who is trying to steal his app? Yet again, Jack is dragged into the murder investigation by his wife’s ex and now police detective, still looking to catch Jack for any crime and get Katie back for himself.
This is even more action packed than book one, A Boatload, and just keeps you going as each thread of the story continues to lead to other threads and more suspects. Each different part of the story takes you in a different direction and leaves you wondering if Jack will have to go back to his old ways to overcome his problems. Who else will be in danger?
This book keeps you turning the pages, until you get to the end and then you’re just disappointed that it’s all over and you have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what Jack, his wife and friend Hark are up to. Bring on the next one!
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Jack starts to have problems with his startup, trolls and then a face from his past arriving and trying to get him involved in his old tricks again. An item they stole years ago has now appeared in the Silicon Valley area and his old friend wants to steal it again. This gets very complex as Jack tries to stick to his new life, but still gets mixed in with the mess that occurs.
Murder, threats and violence aimed towards Jack and Katie makes Jack get his back up and he has to start finding out who is behind all this. Who is behind the murder and who is trying to steal his app? Yet again, Jack is dragged into the murder investigation by his wife’s ex and now police detective, still looking to catch Jack for any crime and get Katie back for himself.
This is even more action packed than book one, A Boatload, and just keeps you going as each thread of the story continues to lead to other threads and more suspects. Each different part of the story takes you in a different direction and leaves you wondering if Jack will have to go back to his old ways to overcome his problems. Who else will be in danger?
This book keeps you turning the pages, until you get to the end and then you’re just disappointed that it’s all over and you have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what Jack, his wife and friend Hark are up to. Bring on the next one!
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
July 3, 2015
Jack McCoul is a retired con-artist, he’s settled into a new life in his hometown of San Francisco with his wife, Katie, and he’s developing the newest “app” for the rich and infamous—life is good…until an old partner from his previous “career” rolls into town and things turn upside down.
His old partner is after a priceless Buddha statue and he knows where it is, it’s in the home of an ultra-rich venture capitalist that also happens to be married to Katie’s best friend, Laura. When Laura’s husband turns up murdered and the Buddha is missing, Jack knows just where to look, if only it were that simple. The partner has disappeared, some rough guys are looking to steal Jack’s new app and on top of it all Jack and Katie are suspects in the VC’s murder right along with Laura.
This is a complicated mystery; just when you think you know what’s happening, Holing throws in something or someone new and you’re left guessing all over again.
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... )
His old partner is after a priceless Buddha statue and he knows where it is, it’s in the home of an ultra-rich venture capitalist that also happens to be married to Katie’s best friend, Laura. When Laura’s husband turns up murdered and the Buddha is missing, Jack knows just where to look, if only it were that simple. The partner has disappeared, some rough guys are looking to steal Jack’s new app and on top of it all Jack and Katie are suspects in the VC’s murder right along with Laura.
This is a complicated mystery; just when you think you know what’s happening, Holing throws in something or someone new and you’re left guessing all over again.
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... )
July 23, 2022
Three stars for a comfortable story with characters I know from an author I admire and a series I love. The thing is, what has made the other Nick Drake books heart felt for me was a raw, biting story that built itself around a native American mysticism and a unsurpassed love of the wide open landscape and those who lived there – animals, people, and spirits.
The other stories all had depth and each showed me a perspective that I had not seen before – a man clawing his way back from drug addiction and the horrors of war; another man who walks between the animal world and the human; an Indian woman who survived the horrors of a school system meant to destroy her native culture who instead became a leader of her people and was still able to forgive and love children of the race that hurt her. These are the things I expect from a Nick Drake novel. Not movie sets and two disjointed murders with no real motive and a tiny bit of spiritualism thrown in at the end to tide over those of us who love that part of the story. This story wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t on on par with the other books in the series.
The other stories all had depth and each showed me a perspective that I had not seen before – a man clawing his way back from drug addiction and the horrors of war; another man who walks between the animal world and the human; an Indian woman who survived the horrors of a school system meant to destroy her native culture who instead became a leader of her people and was still able to forgive and love children of the race that hurt her. These are the things I expect from a Nick Drake novel. Not movie sets and two disjointed murders with no real motive and a tiny bit of spiritualism thrown in at the end to tide over those of us who love that part of the story. This story wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t on on par with the other books in the series.
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